Exergy of Solar Dryer

Abstract

Due to the fact that it eliminates extra moisture and increases food products’ shelf lives, drying is an energy-intensive process in food preservation. Both renewable and non-renewable energy sources can be used to generate the energy needed for drying. Researchers have recently given sources like solar energy the highest consideration when employing renewable energy. Solar energy is the best source of energy for the drying process with solar dryer systems because it is free, clean, available, and economically viable. The usage of solar dryers in agricultural production areas like farms and gardens conserves a variety of energy resources (such as fossil fuel), improves food-processing efficiency, and lowers the cost of transportation. The main components of solar dryers are the fan, the solar air heater (SAH), and the dryer chamber, which is why there are different exergy factors. In the industry of solar dryers, it is crucial to improve drying energy effectiveness and lower energy consumption costs. Using modern technologies makes it easier to improve energy efficiency and lower operational expenses. The main goal of many studies today is to evaluate the energy costs of various drying techniques. This technique, also known as exergy economic analysis, makes sure that the primary contributing factors to system exergy loss are recognized and understood.